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IENWG Coopération CE-OHI

EC-IHO Cooperation / Coopération CE-OHI

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COOPERATION BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION AND THE IHO

COOPERATION ENTRE LA COMMISSION EUROPÉENNE ET L'OHI

In application of the Memorandum of Understanding signed on 23 April 2012, the European Commission (EC) and the IHO have agreed to provide a framework ensuring a continuing liaison between the two sides in the specific areas of common interest including surveillance activities, offshore renewable energy, maritime spatial planning, integrated coastal zone management, marine observation and data networks, implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, marine research, data standards (including those specified by INSPIRE Directive 2007/2/EC) and co-operation with third countries.

The impact of the MOU between the IHO and the EC was discussed in 2012 at the 30th meeting of the North Sea Hydrographic Commission (NSHC). The EU Marine and Maritime Policies Working Group (EUM2WG), established at the 27th NSHC meeting (2006) with France as chair, was tasked to pursue the development of the IHO-EU relationship. The intention was also to increase participation of other affected RHCs. In April 2013, the 57th meeting of Nordic Hydrographic Commission (NHC) recognised the need to extend the circle beyond the NSHC countries to also include other IHO Member States within the EU/EEA and invited the IRCC to consider creating a subordinate body to liaise with the EC. At its 5th meeting (June 2013), the IRCC decided to create a dedicated Working Group to deal with EU/EC matters and manage the IHO/EC MOU. France, on behalf of the NSHC, was tasked to develop the draft Terms of Reference for review and adoption by correspondence.